Table of Contents
Ahoy, fellow Sim adventurers! Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the Tray folder, the secret vault that holds the key to our most treasured Sim households and lots.
Fear not, for I, your trusty guide, am here to show you the easiest way to navigate this digital treasure trove and ensure that no Sim creation gets lost in the abyss!
1. Safeguarding Your Sims:
First things first, my fellow Simmers: we must safeguard our precious creations. Just like hiding our favourite comic books under the mattress, we shall create a backup copy of the Tray folder.
This way, even if chaos ensues, our beloved Sims shall remain safe and sound. Once we’re confident in our backup, we can proceed with the great organisation!
2. Divide and Conquer:
Now, imagine stepping into the world of your Tray folder, a place brimming with endless possibilities. But, alas, the sheer volume of files can be overwhelming. Fret not, dear adventurers, for we shall conquer this challenge! Create folders within your backup Tray folder, and let us divide our Sim gems by the passage of time.
Month by month, year by year, we shall group them in their rightful abodes. Organising like a Sim-savvy librarian, the Jan.16 folder shall hold nostalgic memories, while the Feb.16 folder shall be brimming with love stories galore.
3. Shedding Light on Secrets:
Remember, my intrepid explorers, to set your File Explorer to Detailed view and unveil the hidden file extensions. These simple steps shall shed light on the mysteries within and aid you in your noble quest.
Tutorials aplenty are available on the vast internet to guide you through this process, should you require further assistance.
4. Caution in the Chaos:
But be warned, dear Simmers! As we tread this path of organisation, we must exercise caution. Sometimes, letting the player organise their own Tray folder can lead to unexpected consequences. Objects may change ownership, and lots may shuffle their locations. So be mindful, and embrace the mantra of “save first, organise second.”
5. Embracing Change:
Once you’ve unleashed your Sims upon the world, fear not the act of deleting from your library or Tray folder. Their digital essence shall endure, living on in your virtual realm. So, my fellow adventurers, with a triumphant heart, we bid farewell to the unwanted clutter and make space for new tales to unfold.
Saving and Backing up Your Tray Folder Gems
Step 1: Unleash the Power of Sorting
Ahoy, Sim adventurers! Today, we embark on a quest to master the art of saving and backing up our precious Tray folder items. To begin, open the Tray folder in Explorer and sort its contents by Date Modified.
Ensure that the mighty triangle points downward, revealing the newest files at the top. Keep this folder open, as we shall be Alt+Tabbing back and forth like daring digital warriors.
Step 2: Journey into the Simverse
With our Tray folder prepared, it’s time to dive into the virtual wonders of The Sims 4. Load a saved game or create a new one, and venture forth into the realm of Manage Worlds.
Step 3: Navigate the Library
As we embark on this grand expedition, let us not forget the Library – the gateway to our Sim treasures. Within its confines, ensure that “Include Custom Content” is checked under the Advanced options. Now, with anticipation in our hearts, select the first item in the list and import it into the game.
Step 4: Unveiling the Magic
If our treasure is a noble Household, fear not, for the TestingCheats on cheat shall be our ally. Activate it and gracefully edit the household in Create a Sim, ensuring that our beloved Sims are saved to the Library.
On the other hand, if our treasure takes the form of a Lot or Room, let us unleash our creative prowess in Build Mode and save it to the Library.
Step 5: Return to the Tray Folder
With our Sims safely nestled in the Library, let us don the cloak of Alt+Tab and return to our Tray folder sanctuary. Gaze upon the newest additions, gleaming with the aura of Sim magic.
Step 6: The Dance of Preservation
Prepare yourself, for the time has come to preserve these precious creations. Following the examples provided, highlight the relevant files for each object. While they bask in the glow of your cursor’s attention, right-click and select “Send to -> Compressed (zipped) folder” from the menu.
Step 7: Name the Heroic Archive
Behold, the birth of a .zip folder! Bestow upon it a name of legend, one that encapsulates the very essence of its contents. Whether it be “Francios Household.zip” for a Sim family known as the Francios or “Dreamy Oasis Lot.zip” for a tranquil oasis in the Simverse, let the name resonate with significance.
Step 8: A Haven in the Backups
With our archive prepared, it’s time to secure it in a backup folder. Relocate the sacred .zip file to this sanctuary of digital preservation, ensuring that our treasured creations are safe from the clutches of chaos. Once the transfer is complete, fearlessly bid adieu to those specific files in the Tray folder, for their purpose has been fulfilled.
Step 9: The Epic Cycle Continues
As our journey through the Tray folder’s wonders persists, let us return to step 4 and repeat this sacred ritual for each and every precious item residing within the Library. Through the power of organisation and preservation, we shall triumph over the chaos that threatens to consume our Sim treasures.
Important shortcuts you NEED to know
Combo #1: Ctrl-A
Copying En Masse: With the mighty key-combo Ctrl-A, you can select all files in your Tray folder at once. No more tedious clicking! Prepare for a grand copying spree, ensuring no precious item is left behind.
Combo #2: Right-Click and Ctrl
The Art of Selective Choice: For a more discerning touch, hold Ctrl while right-clicking to handpick individual files. Curate your digital collection with precision and finesse.
Combo #3: Right-Click, Shift, and Right-Click
A Journey of Focused Selection: To select a specific range of files, right-click on the first file, hold Shift, and right-click on the last file of your desired selection. Witness the magic as your chosen files unite under your command.
Understanding the file structures
Greetings, fellow Sim architects and interior designers! Today, we delve into the intricate world of Sim file structures, unveiling the enigmatic codes behind your beloved households, lots, and rooms. Prepare to unlock the hidden knowledge that will elevate your Sim creations to new heights!
1. Household Files – Cracking the Code:
Behold the inner workings of a Sim household. Each member leaves a digital footprint, resulting in a unique arrangement of files:
- 1 .householdbinary file
- 1 .trayitem file
- 2 .hhi files
- A dazzling revelation: 1 .sgi file per Sim
Yes, for a household with six charismatic Sims, you shall encounter this majestic ensemble of files. Remember, deleting the household from your Library doesn’t bid farewell to the .sgi files! They endure, forever capturing the essence of your Sim’s legacy.
2. Lots – Unveiling the Blueprint:
As Sim builders, we shape the world, one lot at a time. Here’s the blueprint of lot file structures:
- 1 .blueprint file
- 1 .trayitem file
- 4 .bpi files (plus an additional .bpi file per additional floor)
Marvellous! A four-story architectural marvel boasts this collection of files. Each .bpi file represents a unique floor, immortalising the splendour of your vertical creations.
3. Rooms – Revealing Hidden Spaces:
Within the realm of Sim interiors lies the essence of cosy corners and captivating chambers. Here’s the secret composition of room files:
- 1 .room file
- 1 .trayitem file
- 2 .midi files (older rooms may possess this extension) or 2 .rmi files
In a single saved room, behold this assembly of files. Every detail meticulously preserved, ready to be shared with other Sim enthusiasts.
Now that you possess the knowledge of Sim file structures, your creative endeavours shall flourish. Unleash your imagination, harness the power of these files, and let your Sim world thrive!
Final Thoughts
Managing the tray folder in Sims 4 can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. By properly organising and backing up your tray files, you can easily access and share your favourite households, lots, and rooms with other players. Remember to create backups of your tray folder before making any changes and be cautious when deleting files.
Additionally, understanding the difference between tray files and mods is crucial. While tray files store in-game creations, mods provide additional functionalities and customizations. Knowing where to place mods and how to utilise tools like Sims 4 Tray Importer can help you expand and personalise your game.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain a reasonable folder structure and avoid excessively deep or long file paths. Keeping your tray files organised and easily accessible will save you time and prevent potential issues in the game.
With a well-managed tray folder, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities and seamlessly share your Sims creations with the community. So, dive into your tray folder, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the endless adventures that await in The Sims 4!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tray Folder in Sims 4
The tray folder in Sims 4 is located within the game’s installation directory. To find it, navigate to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Tray.
It is generally safe to delete the contents of the tray folder, but it’s important to exercise caution. Make sure to create a backup of your tray folder before deleting anything, just in case you want to restore any items later on.
Mods typically do not go directly in the tray folder. Mods are usually placed in the game’s Mods folder, which is also located within the Sims 4 installation directory. However, certain mods may require additional tray folder files to function correctly, so it’s best to follow the specific instructions provided by the mod creator.
Sims 4 Tray Importer is a popular tool used to manage and organise items in the tray folder. When downloaded from a trusted source and used correctly, it is generally considered safe. However, it’s always a good practice to scan any files or tools with reliable antivirus software before using them.
The tray folder contains files related to households, lots, and rooms created or saved in the game, allowing you to share or import them. Mods, on the other hand, refer to user-created modifications that alter or enhance gameplay mechanics, add new features, or change visual elements of the game. While both tray files and mods can enhance your Sims 4 experience, they serve different purposes.
Sims 4 tray files do not have a specific depth limit. You can organise your tray files into subfolders within the tray folder to maintain a more structured system. However, keep in mind that the game may have difficulty recognizing tray files if they are nested too deeply or have excessively long file paths. It’s recommended to keep the folder structure relatively simple and avoid excessive nesting for smoother functionality.
Hopefully, these frequently asked questions have provided some clarity regarding the tray folder in Sims 4. Remember to exercise caution when making changes to your game’s files and always keep backups for added peace of mind. Happy Simming!
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